Valentine Drinks

02-07-2003, 10:26 PM

Orange-Kissed Hot Chocolate

2 cups milk
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
3 (2 x 1-inch) orange peel strips (orange part only) 1/2 teaspoon
instant espresso powder or instant

powder 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Combine all ingredients in medium saucepan. Stir over low heat until chocolate melts. Increase heat and bring just to boil, stirring often. Remove from heat and whisk until frothy. Return to heat and bring just to a boil again. Repeat heating and whisking once again.
2. Discard orange peel. Pour hot chocolate into mugs. Makes 2 servings.

Hot Chocolate Espresso

1/2 cup strong hot

1 to 3 teaspoons sugar (optional)
1/2 cup cream, or 1/4 cup half-and-half and 1/4 cup milk 1 1/2 teaspoons
unsweetened cocoa
whipped cream
1 tablespoon milk chocolate, grated
cinnamon stick

Not for the worried weight watcher, this creamy drink is pure indulgence but just right for after ice skating or sledding on a wintry day.
Makes about 1 cup.

In a large cup or mug, mix the

and sugar, if desired. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the cream. Add the cocoa and mix well.
Add the cream mixture to the

and top with a dollop of whipped cream and the grated chocolate.
Serve with a cinnamon stick.

Caramels-n-Hot Chocolate

1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup water
6 milk-chocolate-covered round caramels
6 cups milk, half and half or light cream Whipped cream -- optional

In a large saucepan combine sugar, cocoa powder, and water.

Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Add candies until melted. Stir in milk. Heat through. Pour into mugs; top with whipped cream, if desired.

Makes 6 servings.